During a car accident, the insurance company of the at-fault driver will want to pay as little as possible to the injured victim. Usually, the company will contact the victim soon after the crash. But, this call is not meant to help the victim get the compensation amount they need. Instead, the company will make a lowball settlement offer to try to settle the claim quickly. If you are one of these victims it is in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced houston car accident attorney. Your lawyer will tell you to minimize communication with anyone from the insurance company. Keep reading to know the reasons an insurance company will contact you after a car accident and how they may work against your interests.
Making a Quick Settlement Offer
Insurance companies assign claims adjusters to get in touch with claimants right after a car accident to offer them a quick but lowball settlement. Their offer does not consider what’s best for you. Instead, it benefits the company’s interests. Insurers bring more in the form of insurance premiums than their payouts in claims to make money. Thus, they may offer a quick settlement that is below your claim’s value.
Getting Information they Can Use Against You
Someone from the insurance company of the at-fault driver may contact you to try to get statements from you and information that can be used against you. During your conversation with an insurance adjuster, they may try to get you to admit fault for the crash, convince you that your injury deserves a certain amount of compensation, or get you to talk about a certain detail that other evidence contradicts. Also, the adjuster may try to get you to admit fault in the accident to try to devalue your claim or deny it.
Letting You Talk Before You Can Consult a Lawyer
An insurance adjuster may try to call you before you can speak with an attorney. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, the insurance company won’t be able to easily manipulate you or take advantage of your situation. Your attorney will make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
If a representative from the at-fault party’s insurance company has contacted you, you must speak with an attorney before you respond to them. A skilled lawyer can handle communications with the representative and provide you with advice on how to protect your claim’s value.
